Quick Byte: Calzones

I was super stressed this week with work so my lovely bf made me an awesome calzone, using this recipe but had a few modifications:

• Instead of the pickled veggies, we sauteed mushrooms
• Added marinara sauce
  
• And, used hot salami and pepperoni, and chopped olives

We placed all the toppings in our calzone. I'll take full credit for adding in the 'shrooms.

Yum! This recipe fed two starving eaters and I still plenty of leftovers for lunch.

Guest Post: Poop Potions

As you can tell from the title, today's post is a contribution from the most ladylike girl I know, my sister. As I was sitting at work last week, I got an email from her with the subject titled, "New Blog for You." As my email opened, I thought, hmm, she's already written about cheese and bagels, I'm not sure what's left for her to write since she has limited culinary abilities. Then, as I began reading, I thought, "ohhh hell yes, shit shakes."

For those don't know my sister, she is a bit healthier than I am. She usually limits herself to only one fatty dish per week and hits the gym on a regular basis to pump some iron. And, her staple food: Shit Shakes. I've had these all-fruit wonders a few times when she has leftovers and let's just say if these won't make you regular, you are shit out of luck.

Happy reading.

Hi Readers!

Ok, I know what you’re thinking.

And readers, you should really stop being so close-minded.

But go ahead; I'll give your minute to 'Eww' and 'Gross' at the title of this blog.

(This is your minute to stop reading)

Now you should really all be happy. I was going to entitle this blog entry 'S*** Shakes' but I thought that would really disgust you.

The things I do for you readers.

Now, down to business. I've taken a lot of crap on this blog (pun intended). For example the following, slanderous statement, was written by the owner of this blog: my sister (aka me) is "the manipulative one who", has "limited culinary abilities" (See: A Love Affair with ‘Super Foods’).

Yet perhaps there is some truth to this. I perhaps may only know how to make three dishes and constantly forget how to use an oven. However, there is one thing I can make (please stand by for what that is). Moreover, I perhaps am a tad manipulative. By this I mean, I can trick myself into thinking that I am really full and ready to use the bathroom. How do I do this?

Quick Byte: Billy Berk's

Yesterday, I had a working lunch with a few friends. We decided to get some fresh air and take a stroll to Billy Berk's in downtown San Jose since two of us haven't dined there.

The menu had tons of options and our server recommended any of the burgers since it's what the restaurant is known for.

When I saw "Alex's Philly" - grilled peppers, onions and provolone on the menu, I immediately knew that this was the one for me. We were pleasantly surprised that our meals came out super quick since most restaurants in downtown can be a bit of wait during the lunch hour.

Sandwich Love

Like Joey from Friends, I love a good sandwich.

The other day, I was working offsite at a client office so had a hellish commute home. Needless to say my drive home was fillled with road rage, karaoke singing, contemplating over which superhero powers I'd like to possess and thinking about what to make for dinner.

Cheese? Toast? Eggs? Sandwich? Hmm, how about all of the above.

Word of advice: Never go grocery shopping while you are hungry.

Let's just say I meant to pick up a few essentials and wanted to be in and out like the wind.

Um, that definitely didn't happen.

What a load of Crock

Mervyn's. I loved that store since it was the predecessor to Kohl's and you seriously could buy anything there. I made the trek to Mervyn's a few years ago during the "going out of business" sale and made the most amazing 20 dollar purchase of my life, a crock pot.

Until now, I've only used my crock pot for apple cider and it's been collecting dust in my garage.

Then, the other day, I had a major craving for a slow cooked meat dish. After pursuing the Bon Appetite site for a while, I stumbled across a Moroccan Lamb recipe (sounded ethnic and fun).

Check out the prep - poor lamb

Side note: I basically love lamb, it's not as heavy as steak, is easily infused with flavors. And, after my veggie stir fry the other night, I had a major hankering for some red meat.

I know that there are some die-hard crock pot fans out there who love these one-dish wonders. But, let me just say that crock pot recipes have gotten more sophisticated and we no longer add in a condensed can of cream of {insert adjective here} + {insert your choice of meat}. Let's just say after prepping for a good hour that entailed chopping, mincing and searing, I was happy I didn't have any morning meetings since I slipped into work a little late, to say the least.

As I pulled up to my house after work, I was also happy to see my complex wasn't engulfed in flames since I was paranoid at work all day thinking my Moroccan Lamb would accidentally cause a random electrical fire.

My Love/Hate with Stir Fry

When I was a kid, stir fry was the go-to dish for my Mom when she was pressed for time and had to put something on the table for her starving family.

I think that Costco used to sell a pack that, to this day, I never want to eat again. I hated sweet sauce and I hated the red bell pepper (it was a kid thing I grew out of).

Now that I'm a working girl, I can give my Mom a little slack since my go-to meal is usually cereal.

Last night I had a major craving for some stir fry. After a quick trip to Zanotto's, I whipped up an easy and tasty stir fry, ingredients below.

Recipe: Kari's You'll Thank Me When You're Finished Eating The Best Damn Salad Ever It's All About The Toppings

So, I never used to like salad. Probably because I was a fat kid at heart (still am) who wanted to smother the icky green stuff with ranch. Couple that with the fact that I used to hate tomatoes, cucumbers, non-romaine lettuce and vinaigrette, meant that salads were always bland and not very appealing.

Since summer is upon us, I’ve been trying to eat a little bit healthier (for those of you that know me, this means I am simply trying to skip on second helpings and opt for fruit instead of the peanut M&M’s that are calling my name for an afternoon snack).

Anyways, I’ve been eating salads a lot more than I’m used to. Since I’m a fan of Zanotto’s, I’ve tried out most of the salad toppings offered. Well, after spending an average of $8 per salad, I think I’m come up with the perfect recipe for a refreshing meal. And, if you buy enough toppings, you can save money on your daily work lunches.